LJ School Board eliminates contact with LJEA

The La Junta School Board met in special session on Monday morning at 7 a.m. The school board declared a complete break with the La Junta Education Association.

By Bette McFarren

The La Junta School Board met in special session on Monday morning at 7 a.m. The school board declared a complete break with the La Junta Education Association. Many La Junta teachers were present.

Chris Ludwig, high school science instructor, spoke for the La Junta teachers. He cited the experience with the school consultants hired to improve school philosophy and structure, Dave Benson and Iris Williams. "Dave and Iris came up with an idea of shared leadership," Ludwig said. "What we have today is the dismantling of the document of shared leadership. The master agreement is about shared leadership. These meetings are not about shared leadership. I ask you to consider the impact your decisions have on what we have been working on."

The school board went into executive session at 7:08 a.m. At 7:39 the executive session was over. Member Troy Smith read a resolution that was passed immediately, hiring Atty. Mike Niklos to represent the Board of Education for a retainer fee of $10,000. There followed the rapid passing of several resolutions, some routine, such as $120,000 for the Capital Projects Building Fund and $115,000 for the Food Service Fund. The new salary schedule was approved for certified teachers: Step and lane movements for certified staff will be allowed on increased salary schedule (steps were rounded up to make even numbers) for 181 day contract for the 2013-2014 school year. Salary schedule includes an additional 15th step. Increase the monthly fringe benefit allowance to $475 which can be used toward district sponsored insurances (health, vision, dental). The amount of monthly fringe benefit will be capped at $475 effective July 1, 2013. Increase in Public Employee Retirement contribution by .9 per cent.